The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-25
A LETTER FROM ADAM CLARKE.
Response of the Venerable Commentaries TO
an Invitation TO Visit America. 5


an Invitation TO Visit America )
North western Christian Advocate
Rev. J. w. Sills.s Of Picton, Ontario has in
his possession the original of the following
letter from Rev. Adam Clarke. the commenta-
tor. We are indebted to mr.. Stills for q copy,
which was printed in, the Picton Times:
To messrs }; Emory. B, Waugh n. Bangs. F. Hall
and George Sachley:
Gentlemen and Reverend Brethren-Having
been absent in West ENGLAND for a considerable
time, your letter did not reach my hand till
some weeks after its arrival Your kind invi-
tation to visit the United States was gratifying
ton few months earlier. should most
tainly have endeavored TO meet your wishes,
asd by SO doing have, no Doubt should have
been both gratifed and profted; but the warn
inc is too short. and am engaged SO far both to
England and Ireland in behalf of our mission
airy cause that can not by any substitute re-
visit the Zetland isles if possible, but as had
not pledged myself to the voyage. l would have
waived my purpose in favor of America, to
visit which I have been long waiting for an
should have wished to have had the appoint
ment of our conference for the voyage.
Now. although feel q measure of regret that
l am disappointed in this wshed-for visit to the
American continent. yet / am far from suppos-
ing that there may not be providential inter
ference in the way, am. as you no doubt have
already learned. an old man, having gone be-
yond threescore years and ten; and consequently
not able to perform the labor of youth. You
would naturally expect me to preach much. and
this could not do. One sermon in the gay
for several years to give up all evening preach
ing, as found the night air to be- peculiarly iu-
furious to my health. Ny help. therefore must
have been very limited, and in many cases this
would have been very unsatistory to the good
people of the United States. This deficiency. l
grant, might be supplied by an able assistant,
who might be inclined to accompany me- but
this would not satisfy the eye or ear OF
curiosity. But, as the journey is now imprac-
ticable. these reflections are useless respect
and wish we'll to Your state, and love your
church. AS far as 1 can discern, you are close
imitators of the original Methodists THAN whom
a greater blessing has not been given to the
the same doctrines and acting under the same
discipline; therefore have you prospered as we
have prospered.
There is no danger SO imminent both to you
and to Us as departing from our original sim
plicity in spirit, in manners, and in our mode or
worship. We think, in many cases, that We
may please well-intentioned men better, and be
more useful to them, by permitting some OF the
more innocent forms Of the world to enter the
church. Whenever have done so we have
infallibly lost ground in the depth of our relig-
ion and in it's spirituality and anction. l
would say to all. keep your doctrines and your
discipline. not only In your church books and in
your society rules; preach the former without
refining on them; observe the latter without
bending it to circumstances, or impairine its
vieor by frivolous exceptions and partialities.
AS believe your nation to be destined to be
so / believe that your church is likely to become
the most extensive and pure in the universe.
AS church, abide in the apostolic doctrine and
fellowship; as q nation be firmly united. enter
tain no petty differences, totally abolish the
slave trade IF it be not yet done); abhor all Of
fsnsive wars; never provoke even the puniest
state; never strike the first blow. Encourage
agriculture and friendly traffic; cultivate the
sciences and arts; let learning have it's proper
place, space, and adequate share of esteem and
honor: il posi- BILE, live in with all natious
retain your holy zeal for GODS cause and your
country's veal, and that you may ever maintain
your liberty, avoid its bane and ruin a
tional debt. say to you, as it was said to Rome
of old:
Tu vegere imperio populos Romano, memento;
Ha tibe erunt artes; pacisque imponere morem.
Parcene SUBJECTS ct debeare superlos.-Virgl.
But whittier am I running2 Will it be a suffi-
Gent excuse to allege 1.-The zeal of your house
hath eaten me upl" Truly. truly do / wish you
good luck in the name of the Lord and there
fore, with my best prayers for your civil ana
religious prosperity, and hearty thanks to each
of you individually for the handsome and honor
able manner in which you have framed your in
vitation. have the honor to be. gentlemen and
reverend brethren, your obliged and humble
servant, and most cordial we'll wisher.
i 49, ADAM CLARKE.
NAYDoR HALL, Middlesex, Feb. 6, 1882.